Ida Odinga has revealed the way she and her husband, the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, chose the names of their kids.

In an emotional tribute, Mama Ida said that every word used in the Odinga family is meaningful and reflects the couple’s values, history and admiration for great leaders.

Ida disclosed that their eldest son, Fidel Odinga, was named after the Cuban revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro.

According to her,” Fidel reflects Raila’s admiration for revolutionary leaders.”

She mentioned that her husband was a strong admirer of people who struggled to establish justice and equality.

Their daughter Rosemary Odinga, Ida explained, was given a name after a wise combination of the names of their mothers.

“Her name is a combination of our parents ‘ mothers’; Rose (my mother) and Mary ( Raila’s mother),” she recalled.

Ida said that they both discussed and agreed on that combination together with Raila.

Raila Odinga Junior Names

The second son of the couple was Raila Odinga Junior and was named after his father.

Ida explained that the bearing of the family name has affected his life and his journey in society.

She has observed that the name of the father, Raila, has influenced his own career and profile.

Also Read: Winnie Odinga Narrates Last Moments Before Raila Odinga Died in India

Mandela’s Legacy

In the case of their youngest child, Winnie Odinga, Ida said the motivation was the struggle of South Africa to get freedom.

“We decided on the name Winnie after Winnie Mandela, who was a strong symbol of courage and resilience,”she said

Remembering the emotional scene before the birth of Winnie, Ida said,” I was expecting my fourth child, Winnie, when Mandela came out of prison. I was in labour, and when Raila and I were watching the news, Winnie and Mandela appeared holding hands. Then I thought to myself, when it comes to a boy, then it will be Nelson, and when it comes to a girl, it will be Winnie.”

Also Read: ODM Announces Changes in Raila Odinga’s Burial Plans

Mama Ida’s Advice on Name Selection

Mama Ida ended her emotional recollection by advising parents to be intentional about naming their children.

“Give your child a meaningful name,” she advised, emphasizing that a name is a form of identity, heritage, and hope.

With her thoughts, Ida Odinga created such a heart-touching image of love, inspiration, and legacy; values that defined her family and still live today through their children.